MANASLU & ANNAPURNA TWO HIGH PASSES (LARKE LA PASS & THORONG LA PASS)

This day is kept free for the permit processing, to obtain the permit Orginal passport is required.

Overnight at the Hotel

08:00 HRS: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (570m) which takes approximately about 7 hours. Set out from Kathmandu on the Kathmandu-Pokhara “Prithivi Highway” till Dhading, cross the bridge and head to Arughat. From Arughat, continue further for about an hour on a very rough road to arrive at Soti Khola, a small village at the bank of Budhi Ghandaki river at an elevation of 710 meters However, with the new road extension, it is now possible to drive all the way to Maccha khola.

Upon arrival, Meet trek team and check into the Lodge.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge           

Drive duration: approx. 7 ½ to

After crossing Machha River and Khorla besi, there is a hot spring called ”Tatopani”. From the hot spring the trail climbs over the ridge and then the trail follows forested area to arrive at Dovan (1000 m). Below Dovan, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Ghandaki River. Crossing a 93 meters long suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and climbing some stone stairs you reach to Tharo Bhanjyang.

As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergo a complete transformation. Trek along the river for a while and climbing through small villages arrive at Jagat, a beautiful village with flag stone steps. At Jagat, there is a police check-post where your trekking permit will be checked.

Dinner and overnight at Camp                                                        Trek Duration:  5 ½ to 6 hrs

The trek begins with a Climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri (1,440 m) where you have excellent views of Sringi Himal (7177 m). The trail descends to Setibas (1,430 m) and again climbs to the other side of the ridge to reach Ghatta Khola. From here you climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village where you see the Manaslu Conservation area Project headquarters. After the formalities of checking into the Manaslu Conservation Area we continue toward Sirish Gaon, Gandaki valley narrows from herewith soaring precipitous walls to Pewa.

Dinner and overnight at Lodge                                                       Trek Duration:  5 ½ to 6 hrs

Follow the trail upstream of Deng River entering the steep, uninhabited gorge; crossing Buri Ghandaki River on a metal bridge, the trail makes its way up the western side offering a pleasant walk through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola and to the tiny village of Deng. – a tiny village of 4 houses. A short distance beyond Deng, the trail climbs to Rana (1,980 m). After passing some houses the trail climbs high above the river and drops into the Sringi valley. The trail undulates further through the forest before reaching Ghap. We walks through a newly built rock tunnel from here, thus avoiding the traditional steep climb. At Ghap, the Tibetan culture begins with Mani stones and chortens all around.

Dinner and overnight at Lodge                                                       Trek Duration:  5 ½ to 6 hrs

After crossing the wooden bridge over Budhi Ghandaki River we follow the path lined with houses that are interspersed with cultivated fields. The trails makes a serious and long climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests crossing the river several times before entering Namrung through a stone archway. At Namrung, there is a police check post again. Were we do the usual formalities of checking documents. Climb through the forest of firs, rhododendrons and oaks the trail enters the closely packed houses of Lihi (2,900 m). The trail leaves the Lihi village and enters another village of Sho (2960m) where you get spectacular views of Manaslu North (7157m) and Naike peak (5515m) and further you reach the small settlement of Shrip. After climbing some time you reach to the village of Lho

Dinner and overnight at Lodge                                                       Trek Duration:  5 ½ to 6 hrs

The trail emerges into the plateau of Shyaula with the view of Himalchuli (7,893 m), Nagdi Chuli (7,879 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m). Crossing the ridge the trek proceeds to Sama gaon you will pass the stone gate and long Mani stone wall of the village after Lho with full view of Peak 29 ahead. You can make a side excursion to Pungen Glacier from here to get a very close up view of Manaslu. Follow the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward Sama. From the village of Sama, it takes another 20 minutes to reach Sama Gompa for night halt.

Dinner and overnight at Lodge                                                       Trek Duration:  5 ½ to 6 hrs

Today we climb a terraced hill on the opposite bank of Budhi Ghandaki River from here toward a most remote permanent settlement – Samdo. Here amid the most sever conditions of nature live some 200 villagers in forty houses check-by-jowl. Overnight at Stone Hut in Kermo Kharka

Dinner and overnight at Lodge                                                       Trek Duration:  5 ½ to 6 hrs

Continue our trek by a short descent, cross the wooden bridge over the Budi Gandaki River and begin walking upwards.

Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier, traverse around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone house which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, (4460 m),  also known as Larke Phedi.

The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon to prepare for the long arduous days ahead.

Dinner and overnight at Lodge                                                       Trek Duration:  5 ½ to 6hrs

Finally the big day that we have been waiting for has arrived. Early start essential.

05:00 HRS: The trek begins with a descent on a wide, gentle trail from Samdo and passes through a stone archway. Climbing gently over the huge Larkya Glacier arrives at a ridge at about 4000 m where there is a view point at the edge of a huge gorge. After some more climbing arrive at the Larkya Rest House. From Larkya Rest House cross several moraines and then descend past four frozen lakes, reach the Larkya La (pass) at 5210m. From here there are mesmerizing views of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m). After a brief rest, start the descent along the grassy moraine to a small meadow to reach Bhimtang but we set out a bit further with a steep descent through moraines towards Bhimphedi for overnight.

Dinner and overnight at Lodge                                                       Trek Duration:  8 to 9hrs

The trail drops from Bhimphedi and crosses a glacier stream then it descends into a beautiful pine and rhododendron forest to Hompuk (3,430 m). Further descending we reach the fenced field of Karache and to the village of Gho for a much deserved lunch break. Descend down and pass several scattered houses, terraced agriculture fields, rhododendron and oak forests you can trek into Tilje. The route gets easier as we slowly lose the altitude, continue trekking through fig tree and rhododendron forests untill we arrive to Tilje.

Dinner and overnight at Lodge                                                       Trek Duration:  7 to 8hrs

The trek begins with a pleasant morning walk on a gradual trail. After walking for about ten minutes there is a police check post and ACAP office where we do the usual formalities of trekking permits to register your presence.

From here it takes forty five minutes to reach the village of Bagarchap (2164m) which literally means ‘the river bank’. Bagarchap marks the barrier between the humid valleys of the south, which we have crossed on the way, and dry regions of the high- Marshyangdi. The monsoon is more or less absent in this region is evident by the change in vegetation.

From Bagarchap, it will take another forty five minutes to the hamlet of Danaque 2300 meters, from here begins ascending from the far end of the village through a beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. It take an hour to reach the village of Timang, views of the Annapurna range of mountains are breathtaking from this village. The trail also becomes gradual at the top of the village, all the way up to our lunch camp at Thanchowk, which take an hour and a half walk through this pristine pine forest, with the back drop of Mt. Manaslu where we stop to have our lunch.

After lunch it takes us about an hour to reach Kodo (and also called Koto) meaning ‘Millet’ and then to the village of Kyupar (2600m). Outside the village a police check post controls the access to the Nar Phu Khola Valley which leads to Tibet. We have to show our trekking permits here again before proceeding to Chame (2713m), the District Headquarters of Manang District, which is another thirty minutes of easy walk to Chame.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge, Chame.                          Trek Duration:  5 hrs

The trek begins through the village and mane walls of Chame, though the trail is gradual but there are few short climbs in between through a picturesque landscape. It takes two hours to reach the first village Bhartang after Chame. We walk along the river and through the pine forest to reach the village of Bhartang 2919 meters, mainly populated by Tibetans. We continue on the trail for another hour and a half to reach the lunch point at Dhukur Pokhari.

Here we stop to have a hearty Lunch. On the way we pass through a splendid pine forest with splendid views of Lamjung and Annapurna II and IV.

After lunch it’s about an hour’s walk again through the pine forest on a gradual trail to reach the village of Pisang. Pisang is divided into two villages upper and lower section, upper Pisang is the main old village but then recently people are moving down to lower Pisang to do more business, as it lies on the main highway to Manang.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge, Pisang.

Trek Duration:  5 to 6 hrs

The trek from Pisang to Manang is a short day hike of about four hours. The trek start with a gradual walk through the pine forest though there are few short climbs in between but then most of the walk is fairly easy, it’s only the altitude that makes the trek interesting.

The first village after Pisang is Humde, which is just two hours of easy walk. Humde is a small village in Manang district, the only place where travelers and domestic tourist fly in and out from Manang. After crossing the village there is a police check post where we have to register our presence, we continue on the trail for about an hour, cross the Marshyangdi river on a suspension bridge to reach our lunch point at Bharka.

While the lunch gets ready, we can take time to wander around Bharka to see this picturesque village with its flat roofed houses and to visit the Gompa, not only the largest in the region but also the richest with its fine collection of thankas (religious scroll paintings) and prayer books.

After lunch, it takes only forty-five minutes to reach Manang from here, which sits on the plateau of 3530 meters.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge, Manang

Trek Duration:  5 to 6 hrs

Manang at an elevation of 3540 meters is the perfect place for rest and acclimatization before proceeding to higher altitudes. There are number of sidewalks in Manang, where it gives you immense pleasure to wonder around, rich in art and culture this place is worth exploring. We can go for a walk in the afternoon to the north of the village, which offers a panoramic view of Annapurna IV and II to the southeast and Gangapurna (7455m) and Tarke Kang or Ice dome (7202m) to the southwest.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge, Manang

After leaving Manang, the path climbs steady till the hamlet of Tengi (3642m). From here it takes another hour of steady yet gentle climb to reach Gunsang (3850m). Once we reach Gunsang the trail becomes gradual all the way to Yak Kharka where we stop for the lunch.

After lunch, a gentle climb through the vast meadows for about forty five minutes will leads us to a suspension cross the bridge and walk for about ten minutes will bring us to the destination for the night to spend at Churi Letdar at an elevation of 4220 meters. This is a short day to help with the acclimatization.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge, Churi Letdar.

Trek Duration:  5 to 6 hrs

The trek begins with a breathtaking landscape of the high altitude desert, while the trail is still gradual; it takes an hour to reach Dewarli where we have to cross the river on a wooden bridge climb for ten minutes to reach Dewarli. From here it takes about an hour to reach Thorang Phedi through the undulating trail. Thorang Phedi means ‘foot of the hill’ and it is situated at a height of 4220m on a small hill overlooking a high plateau. 

Stop for a much deserved rest and lunch before proceeding to High Camp. From here the climb is a little challenging all the way up to High Camp. It takes only an hour to reach High Camp, but the climb is steadily on steep scree.  These Himalayan pastures are domains of yak, a bovine of Tibetan origin, reared for its wool, milk and to transport goods. The Thar, a kind of wild goat that lives in herds, is also found here. This is also another short day to cut short the long walk the following day and also to prepare oneself for the hard climb to the Thorang La (pass) the next day.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge, Thorung Phedi.

Trek Duration:  5 to 6 hrs 

This is a big day for all the trekkers, as we will be crossing one of the highest pass in Nepal. Early morning wake up and start the ascent to the pass. There are black and white steel poles to mark the trail just in case if there is heavy snows fall, so that the trekker doesn’t miss the trail. We have to cross about twenty hills on the way to reach the summit, Thorang-la, at 5,416 meters and it takes about 3 ½ -4 hrs to reach here.

On the way up we get to see many prayer flags several cairns (small mounds of rock).

From the top, one can see the panoramic view of Yakgawa Kang or Thorangse (6481m) to the north, and Khatung Kang (6484) to the south and the Annapurna along with the Gangapurna to the southeast.  In the horizon to the west, Dhaulagiri (8169m) and Mount Tukuche (6920m) are also visible.

From the summit it’s a knee wobbling descent to Muktinath (3802m) and takes about four and half hours and the difference in altitude is of 1600m. Once we reach Muktinath we check into the lodge and can take a much deserved rest or a warm shower while your LATE lunch gets ready. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge, Muktinath

Trek Duration:  5 to 6 hrs 

The trek begins with a pleasant morning walk on a gradual trail past the chorten and arrives at the Chele la at 3540 meters, continue on the trail and then descend through the huge canyon. The trail continues to descend all the way till Chele snaking in and out of the canyon, continue to descend further till you reach the Kaligandaki River cross the river on a wooden bridge and then traverse along the bank till you arrive at Chuksang for lunch.

After lunch board the waiting vehicle and drive to Jomsom via Tangbe and Kagbeni Village. The drive is for about 2 ½ hours on rough road passing through river bed and crossing rivers to reach Jomsom.

Jomsom is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. Being the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as the Thakalis. Jomsom (2713 m) is the Administrative center of the Mustang region and the gateway to the Annapurna region. A land of mystique, the rugged peaks of the Annapurna, Nilgiri and Dhaulagari gaze down in their awesome splendor at weathered landscapes that contrast with the deep river ravines over noisy riverbeds. Jomsom is a mixture of hard work, social frivolity tempered by culture founded on deep religious traditions. It has the only airport that operates daily scheduled flights to Pokhara in the early mornings before the winds build up.

In the evening a farewell dinner will be organized for the group by the Trek staff.

Dinner & Overnight at hotel, Jomsom

After breakfast bid farewell to the Sherpa’s & Porters walk down to the Jomsom Airport for the 25 minutes flight back to Pokhara.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Pokhara stands at 884 m above sea level, about 700 m lower than Kathmandu Valley. In Kathmandu Valley the high temples are all around you, in Pokhara it is the mountains. Only foothills separate Pokhara from the full height of the Himalayas, and the magnificent 8000 m. peaks of the Annapurna range. It is a vacationer’s paradise with its crystal clear lakes and fantastic views of the Annapurna range including the Fish Tail Mountain.

EVE: Free to go and explore around the lake side bazaar.

Overnight at the Hotel, Pokhara.

Free day to relax and explore around the lake bazaar for the souvenir shopping or sightseeing tour around city. Adventure activities like paragliding, bungee, ultra-light; zip flyer etc. can be performed in Pokhara.

Overnight at the Hotel, Pokhara

After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for a 25 minute flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu domestic airport, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax.

Overnight at the hotel, Kathmandu.          

After breakfast, met by representative and transferred to the airport for the onward flight home. (Reporting time is at least 3 hrs before flight time)